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While summer is a great time for outdoor activities, it can also bring extreme heat and humidity. In fact, nearly a third of weather-related deaths in the U.S. are attributed to excessive natural heat, heat stroke, sun stroke or all three, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s why Amica Insurance is offering tips to help keep everyone safe.

Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, so stay cool and use common sense. Amica is sharing the following tips from the CDC:

Amica Mutual Insurance Co., the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, based in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is a national writer of auto, home, marine and umbrella insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,400 people in 44 offices across the country. For more information, visit Amica.com.

If you work in an office, chances are you’re sitting at your desk for a better part of the day. Though you wouldn’t think a desk job would cause too many workplace injuries, the truth is that it happens more often than not. Sitting for long periods of time without movement can wreak havoc on your body. The trouble is that many office workers don’t even realize it until it’s too late.

Knowing what can come from sitting for long periods of time can help you to stay proactive about your health and prevent serious complications. Below are a few of the most common workplace health issues related to sitting too long:

1. Weakened Leg Muscles

When you’re not using your leg muscles often they can become very weak. Not applying weight to your legs for a better part of the day can lead to what is known as muscle atrophy (weakening of the muscles). Weak muscles ultimately make it easier for your body to become injured and it will become more challenging to hold your body weight.

2. Weight Gain

Another issue with sitting for long periods of time is weight gain. Moving periodically gives your muscles the opportunity to release lipoprotein lipase molecules, which are necessary to process the fats and sugars stored in the body.

3. Hemorrhoids

If you’ve encountered several hemorrhoids lately, it could be the direct result of sitting for long periods of time. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins found in the rectum are swollen. Though there are several reasons this happens; sitting too long and being overweight are at the top of the list. While you can simply treat them with over the counter natural hemorrhoid products, you still want to make changes to your lifestyle, such as walking more and losing weight.

4. Hip and Back Problems

Your hips and back can take a real beating from sitting all day. When you sit your hip flexors shorten, which can cause pain when walking. For those who have poor posture, your back can begin to hurt from all the pressure applied throughout the day. Failure to stretch can result in chronic pain.

5. Anxiety and Depression

Movement and exercise release endorphins, which are necessary for improving the mood. When you’re sitting for seven to eight hours a day, your endorphins are lowered which gives way for mental health concerns like depression or anxiety to kick in. Studies have proven that getting up and walking around every 20 to 30 minutes can greatly improve your mental state of being.

6. Heart Disease

Sitting can even have a grave impact on your heart. Studies have found that people who sit for more than 23 hours in a week are at greater risk of developing some form of heart disease. Other studies have supported findings that those who sit for long periods of time have an increased chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

7. Diabetes

With obesity being one of the number one risk factors for diabetes, it’s no wonder that sitting for long periods of time could increase your chances of developing the disease. When sitting for long periods of time, enzymes found in the muscles begin to change. This in turn leads to increased blood sugar levels and lower insulin tolerance levels which can result in type 2 diabetes.

8. Blood Clots (DVT)

For office workers who don’t get up and move around, the possibility of developing a clot is higher. Deep vein thrombosis (a form of blood clot) is most commonly located in the legs. While clotting is a natural occurrence in the body, when it develops for no reason (meaning no cut or injury) it could be life threatening. Clots can easily break off and travel to other parts of the body causing serious damage along the way.

It may be easy to assume that you’re safe if you’re working behind a desk all day. However, this is far from the truth. Aside from talking with your employer about ergonomics and comfortable office furniture, it is very important that you get active. Taking a walk around the office, going for a stroll during lunch, and even hopping up to socialize with coworkers on occasion can decrease your chances of developing serious health issues in the near future.

This article is courtesy of PRWeb, please share your thoughts in the comments section below…..

On January 8, 2015, Elle Magazine posted an online article titled “The 8 Worst Things You Can Do to Your Skin” that provides readers with a list of actions that are damaging to one’s skin. The list includes smoking, tanning, and tugging at the skin around one’s eyes and simple neglect. The point of the article is to make readers mindful of the habits that can damage the skin rather than nurture it. (see:goo.gl/A2Ym9f)

“I’m glad to see that the list includes tanning and smoking,” says Dr. Simon Ourian, Medical Director of Epione Beverly Hills. “These two items alone cause a vast amount of damage. At this point, one would have to be willfully ignorant not to know how detrimental to one’s overall health these two vices can be.”

According to the Elle Magazine article, tugging at the skin around the eyes should be avoided as it may damage the collagen and elastin fibers in this delicate area leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Over-washing should be avoided because it can alter the natural pH of the skin and strip it of its natural oils. Neglect is the last item on the list and a reminder that beautiful looking skin requires daily maintenance and healthy, disease-free skin requires vigilance.

“There’s almost no limit to the damage sun exposure can do to the skin,” says Dr. Ourian. “From a cosmetic perspective, it prematurely ages the skin, causing discoloration and wrinkles. Repeated UV exposure can lean to skin cancers.”

Dr. Ourian has been a pioneer in laser technology and non-invasive aesthetic procedures including Restylane, Juvéderm, Radiesse, Sculptra, and CoolSculpting. These treatments are used for the correction or reversal of a variety of conditions such as acne, acne scars, skin discoloration, wrinkles, unwanted fat, stretch marks, varicose veins, cellulite, and others. More information about skin care can be found on Epione’s website.

One of the toughest parts of parenting I ever had to participate in was when my daughter went through a breakup. It doesn’t matter if you’re 13 or 63, breakups hurt. When you are older, you have the experience of years and your self-esteem is formed and you are not as dependent on being liked or fitting in. For a tween or teen it can be devastating because their feelings for the other person are very deep and their self-esteem is not fully developed. Telling them this will pass and they will have many more loves is not effective because they live very much in the present and their pain is immediate.

I see patients every day who “medicate” in unhealthy ways when getting over a breakup. They use food to comfort themselves, or they drink, or they spend excessive money at the mall. We don’t want our children to model these behaviors, and they won’t if we help them during this fragile time.

Here are some tips for parents that I think will help you help your child deal with the emotional pain of breaking up, and they may help you too. http://youtu.be/j_1lHkfr5Ts.

* Begin to journal or write a letter each day to the person you broke up with. Tell them how you are feeling, but don’t send your writings. This helps you get it out of your head and on to paper.

* Begin to exercise. Maybe you can walk or attend a yoga class with your child. Getting out of the house and focusing on something else helps.

* Join a club and learn a new skill. This is a great time for piano lessons, a writing class or learning a foreign language.

* Surround yourself with family and friends as much as possible. This prevents rebounds.

* Focus attention on yourself. Maybe you gave everything to this other person and you lost yourself in the relationship. Host a PJ party or pizza party with friends you may have neglected.

* Buy a pet or adopt an animal. Animals have a way of loving you no matter who you are. They have love for you when you cannot even love yourself. Having to take care of a pet is healing, you have a purpose, you are necessary.

* See a therapist. If your child is seriously depressed or sad for more than two weeks, talking with a therapist will really help.

* Don’t forget your faith. Praying may help you become more comfortable with the quietness, and meditation can help center you.

If you have a relationship, at some point you will have to learn to let go. Although it is painful, it teaches us more about our own capacity to love, and therefore, is a necessary part of growing up. Parents who understand that breakups are a learning experience and an opportunity to help them grow closer to their children have kids who learn to let go and love again.

– Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever. Read more about the book at StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at maryjorapini.com.

As the seasons change and we move into colder weather, our skin can take a beating. A sudden weather change alone can be enough to cause an outbreak, but factor in a cold, dry environment and you could be in for some serious suffering. Changes in humidity combined with brisk weather can suck the moisture from your skin and worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

2. Take extra precaution bathing – Be careful not to bathe in very hot water. Take showers rather than soaking in bathtubs. This can strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in excessive dry skin. Avoid any cleansers containing sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate that can irritate skin.

3. Monitor your home environment – Though running the heater sounds like a great way to keep warm in the cold weather season, it can substantially dry out your skin even more. Run the heat only when necessary and try using a humidifier to keep the moisture in your home.

4. Don’t scratch – This is a bit of a no-brainer, but a very important practice. Though you will feel the intense need to scratch that itch, try your best not to. Scratching the skin will only make it worse. If the itching is unbearable, apply a mild topical hydrocortisone ointment to the area.

5. Wear soft fabrics – Scratchy fabrics like wool may not be the best option to stay warm when you already have itchy skin. Wearing rough fabrics could potentially set off an outbreak or irritate your skin further. Try to stick to soft, breathable fabrics for comfort.

7. Hydrate your body – Drinking water can provide almost instant repair for your skin. Aim to drink eight cups of water or more every day. Keeping your body well hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your skin, especially in dry weather when your skin needs it the most.

8. Minimize the stress – The stress of the upcoming holiday season can wreak havoc on your skin. Try taking a meditation break or 10 minute walks throughout your day to monitor the stress you may be feeling.

Eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions that are affected by cold, dry weather can be very painful and frustrating. By making these simple changes, you can prepare your skin for the upcoming transition into fall and winter weather.

– Michelle Day is a writer and web strategist who takes special interest in healthy living and lifestyle. As a skin wellness enthusiast, she is also the lead copywriter for Forefront Dermatology, which specializes in expert skin treatment and management in the Michigan area.

Way back when the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet was considered to be only for the research setting, I decided to make it easy for anyone to follow. DASH was too important to health; it couldn’t just sit on the shelf. So I created an actionable plan that almost anyone can put into action in their real life.

6. Nuts, beans, and seeds make fun snacks that love your heart and help you lose weight.

7. When you have grains, choose whole grains.

8. Watch your waistline shrink. You are improving your health as you lose weight, with these healthy resolutions.

The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution is based on these rules. And while it helps you lose weight, DASH also makes you healthier. DASH is proven to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

DASH for it!

– Marla Heller, MS, RD is the author of the best-selling books, The DASH Diet Action Plan, The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution, and The Everyday DASH Diet Cookbook. Marla’s specialty is in making complex nutrition easy to understand.

Note: Every year U.S. News & World Report evaluates the most popular diets (32 this year) and identifies the best (http://health.usnews.com/best-diet). The DASH diet was named #1 overall diet (for the 4th year in a row) and Best Diet for Healthy Eating. It was also tied for #1 as the Best Diabetes Diet.

When you visit a chiropractor because you are having a specific problem or you just want to improve your overall health and well-being, you are already taking a more positive approach to your health than a majority of Americans. But most people are unaware of all of the benefits of keeping your spine and nervous system healthy, the regular chiropractic care.

Here are 8 health benefits you can receive from regular chiropractic care.

Improved Moods

It may sound funny to say that chiropractic, actually makes you happier, but that is what the research shows. Chiropractic has been shown to improve hormone balance. Decreasing the bad hormones like cortisol and increasing the good hormones, such as dopamine and norepinephrine makes a big difference in how the brain and body works and how a person feels.

This is why those suffering with anxiety and depression frequently have dramatic results with chiropractic care.

Fewer Colds and Flus

Dr. Ronald Pero, chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute measured 107 individuals who had received long-term Chiropractic care. The chiropractic patients were shown to have a 200% stronger immune system than people who had not received chiropractic care.

Dr. Pero indicated that Chiropractic patients have incredibly strong immune systems, stronger than any group that he is ever measured.

See a Doctor Regularly Whose Goal Is to Keep You Healthy

Doctors of chiropractic are an excellent resource for your health. They are well-trained, naturally minded professionals who undergo a rigorous education in the healing sciences, similar to that of medical doctors. In some areas, such as anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition and public health, they receive more education than a medical doctor.

Doctors of chiropractic work in tandem with other healthcare professionals. If your condition requires attention from another branch of the healthcare profession, that recommendation or referral will be made.

Sleep Better

With 40 million Americans experiencing a chronic sleeping disorder and 62% of American adults experiencing problems sleeping a few nights a week, Americans desperately need to sleep better.

Chiropractic has been shown to improve sleep, both in children and adults.

Have More Energy

In my experience, when someone is under chiropractic care for a while they begin to notice some of the positive side benefits of chiropractic, including more energy and less fatigue.

If you do a Google search to see all the chiropractic patients who have provided testimonials indicating that they have more energy now you will be overwhelmed.

Spend Less Money

Chiropractic care has also been shown to be more cost-effective than the medical approach of drugs or surgery. For example, The Manga Report, a 1993 Canadian government study was quoted as saying:

“There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low-back pain was transferred from physicians to chiropractors… Users of chiropractic care have substantially lower health care costs, especially inpatient costs, than those who use medical care only.”

Avoid Drugs and Hospitals

Each year, about 4.5 million Americans visit their doctor’s office or the emergency room because of adverse prescription drug side effects. Chiropractic care is a drugless approach to health that has been shown to reduce pharmaceutical costs by 51.8%.

The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that chiropractic patients under care results in a 43 percent fewer hospital admissions, then those under medical care.

Less Pain

When the spine is misaligned due to accidents and injuries, pain frequently develops. Research tells us that Chiropractic adjustments are effective for helping people with pain.

If you have never been to a chiropractor before, why not take the first step to a healthier you.

– Dr. Bill Davis has more than 15 years of experience in chiropractic. As a chiropractic patient, student, associate doctor, clinic director and now a writer for the chiropractic industry. Dr. Davis has been published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, featured in the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association News and is currently writing blog posts and articles for a growing number of chiropractic offices throughout the country such as Aligned Modern Health. Dr. Davis is a husband and father of 3 and is passionate about all things chiropractic. You can connect with Dr. Davis on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

The sudden drops in temperature take its toll via flu and cold during winter. Though it’s impractical to think to avoid the changes, precautions may aid in avoiding the sniffing all the time. Winter needs specific strategies to boost energy and feel hale and hearty throughout the season. Prevention is the best strategy to go through the flu season prolifically. There is no need to take all those antibiotics and other medications in order to live well in cold season. It’s not much hard to avoid that sort of despair that spreads around with winter. Enjoy the time of celebration and holidays safely with some simple steps to staying healthy.

1. Consuming Vitamin C

Boosting the intake of vitamin C is an utmost demand of cold season. The importance of vitamin C is commonly known but people overlook it often. Vitamin C enhances the immune system and its anti oxidant benefits the asthmatic persons specifically. All citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and the antioxidant properties slow down the rate of oxidation. Vitamin C aids in reducing the hazards of common cold, chest infections, lung infections, pneumonia, bronchitis etc.

2. Drinking Water

Drink ample amount of water in winter too. People feel less thirsty in cold season but it doesn’t mean that your body doesn’t need it. Keeping yourself hydrated is imperative throughout the season in order to allow your bodily functions working well. Don’t let the cold season lessen your required water intake.

3. Exercising Regularly

Regular exercising keeps you fit, active and healthy throughout the year. It reduces the count of sick days. Workout should be included in daily routine in order to keep a healthy body and strong immune system.

4. Going Out

Going out in snow and cold may feel out of the context but believe me going out in winter is also in favor of your health. It’s healthy and effective to come out from the hibernation mode and walk out for breathing in fresh air. It’s effective in burning more calories as your body needs to work more to stay warm. Don’t forget to put on extra layers of clothing.

5. Sleeping Enough

Adequate sleep is imperative throughout the year and specifically it aids in preventing winter blues. The body becomes vulnerable to illnesses if not get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Your immune system affects by your mood which is directly related to getting sufficient rest. Relaxation makes you feel better and enhances the strength to go through in hand chores.

6. Moisturizing More
Cold and chilled breezes take off the glow and shine of the skin. Following a moisturizing routine is too essential to prevent the irritated and unsightly skin conditions. Moisturize too often in order to retain the skin freshness and shine.

Winter wears play a big part in keeping you safe and healthy during winter. Dropped temperature needs you to dress appropriately in order to keep your body warm. In snowy areas proper dressing aids in preventing hypothermia and frost bite.

– Stephanie Ingram is a blogger, writer and an enthusiast to spend her efforts and time in learning, applying and writing fitness articles, health care and green living. She has been passionate about learning and sharing the ways to improve fitness and maintain optimal health in order to live an active life. For more credible information about Health & Fitness visit our website: http://www.fitnessrepublic.com/

Everybody tries to eat healthy, not only to avoid gaining excessive amounts of weight, but also to try and live a longer, more pleasant life. However, there are some foods out there that people consider to be healthy (or at least healthier than the alternatives) that are actually hurting them. Some of these food items are processed, but some of them are naturally occurring. Here are some things to watch out for next time you’re buying groceries:

Whole Wheat/Grain Breads

Most people make the assumption that breads labeled “whole wheat” or “whole grain” are healthy. There are a wide variety of breads that are whole wheat or whole grain, but ironically, they still contain refined flour ingredients. Breads containing refined flour can actually spike blood sugar levels, leading to unnecessary weight gain, hyperinsulinism and diabetes.

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter in its organic state is very oily and contains high amounts of monounsaturated fats. However, the most common forms of peanut butter that people buy are processed and contain high amounts of sugar.

Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies tend to be a very popular drink for those who are avid gym-goers. However, what most people don’t know is that most smoothie shops or restaurants that make smoothies use purees and mixes that contain high amounts of sugar. Even when smoothie shops use “fresh fruit,” these frozen fruits usually sit in a base that contains high amounts of sugar and artificial preservatives. If you want fruit, eat fruit. Don’t buy the smoothie version.

Soy

Soy is seen as a popular staple for many of those looking to abstain from eating animal sources. Soy beans can be used to make things like milk, protein powder, tofu, vegetarian meat, etc. However, men should be concerned about consuming soy. Products that contain soy-based ingredients contain phytoestrogens that can potentially interfere with natural testosterone production, creating problems such as infertility, gynecomastia and stubborn fat gain. Limit your soy intake and opt to eat more cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus, to reduce the effects of phytoestrogens.

Deli Meat

Although some deli meats can come in lean varieties, most contain high amounts of sodium, artificial preservatives and other chemicals that can affect long-term health. The high level of sodium in processed meats can cause a wide variety of cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks. Whether it’s ham, turkey, salami or roast beef, deli meats should be eaten sparingly, and consumers should opt to eat more whole, natural organic sources of meat.

Protein Bars

Protein bars are often seen as a good snack or meal substitute. However, protein bars can contain high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, soy byproducts and — worst of all — artificial dyes and other chemicals to add flavor and color. Protein bars are good for post-workout nutrition, but horrible meal replacements that could potentially lead to unnecessary weight gain.

Diet Soda

Diet sodas are often marketed as a healthier alternative to carbonated beverages that contain high amounts of sugar. However, diet sodas contain high amounts of citric and phosphoric acid that can damage tooth enamel and lead to long-term dental problems. Constant consumption of acidic drinks like diet soda are also bad for the intestinal system, causing problems such as acid reflux and indigestion. Diet sodas also contain high amounts of artificial sweeteners, dyes and other chemicals that have been linked to cancer.

White Potatoes

White potatoes are a common staple in most American dinner dishes. And served and eaten properly, they can be a solid food choice. However, when you’re eating those potatoes in the form of chips or french fries — or if you prepare a baked potato by drowning it in butter and sour cream — you neutralize any benefit of the food and just take in junk.

Eating healthy is sometimes tougher than it should be, but it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Just do your research before you shop and understand where your food comes from before consumption. Ultimately, the best foods will be those that are whole and natural, such as organic meats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

You might be using the best cosmetic anti-aging products available in the market but if you are unaware of the things that actually cause and accelerate skin aging then you cannot achieve the desired results.

While nothing can be done to control the biological factors, you can improve the way you look by taking precautionary measures against the environmental factors and your faulty lifestyle habits that can make the skin aging faster.

1. Make-up
The use of inferior quality cosmetics can instigate some serious damage to your skin. They can prove to be much more expensive in the end in terms of the harmful side effects caused by them. In addition to this, the proper removal of make-up also carries utmost importance to save your skin of the harmful chemicals present in the cosmetics.

2. High sugar content foods
Various studies have proved that the presence of sugar at higher levels in your blood stream can make you look older than your actual age. Intake of sugar in excessive quantities can be an invitation to various diseases and it can be responsible for taking away that youthful glow of your skin.

3. Lack of sleep
Sleep is a natural constructive way for your body to keep up with the health. Both your mind and body need proper rest to continue working efficiently. Lack of sleep or a disturbed pattern of routine sleep causes fatigue and anxiety. It leads to sagging skin, bags under your eyes and dark circles around your eyes apart from the other serious health issues.

4. Lack of proper nutrition
Skipping on the veggies and fruits along with untimely eating of your meals leads to deficiency of the required nutrients in your body. Consequently, your health starts giving up gradually as the body’s cells don’t regenerate and organs don’t work properly. This leads to premature aging.

5. Absence of physical workout
A body that lacks physical exercise is said to be an abode for various diseases. Physical fitness keeps your body healthy, young and vibrant. The present times support more of the sedentary lifestyle making your body deprived of any physical activity. Without any exercise, your body tends to age faster.

6. Stress
Constant worry, anxiety and tension cause body malfunctioning and lack of sleep. Fine lines, wrinkles and dull appearance of your skin are some of the immediate effects of taking too much stress. In case you suffer from perpetual stress and tensions then try some relaxing techniques such as yoga, meditation and listening to soft music.

7. Exposure to sun and pollution
Harsh sun and pollution leads to skin darkening, age spots and certain skin diseases. The harmful sun radiations can make your body exposed to the risks of developing cancer and aging at an accelerated rate.

8. Smoking and Drinking alcohol
Besides putting your body at a risk of developing numerous diseases, smoking cigarettes can be bad for your looks too. It reduces the elasticity of your skin making it dull and famished in appearance. The same holds true for excessive consumption of alcohol.

Formulate an effective anti-aging skin care regimen and use only a top anti-aging cream for a soft, supple and a younger looking skin.

– Emma Brown is a skin expert by profession. She loves to share her knowledge and experience with people. She regularly contributes her write ups to health or skin care related websites and blogs with most of her writings based on tips for best anti-aging skin treatments. In her free time she loves to travel, fashion shows and music.